EU Proposal to Strengthen Border Security

The European Commission today proposed initiatives to better secure and manage the European Union's external borders.

Measures include an entry/exit registration of non-EU travelers entering the 25-nation border-free "Schengen" area; advance electronic authorization of travelers booking flights to EU countries; computerized fast-track border controls for bone fide registered travelers; and an improved border surveillance system.

"This package puts forward new ideas on the table for the control of our borders, at check points as well as along the length of the border, using the most advanced technology to reach the highest level of security, whilst at the same time facilitating the procedures for bona fide third country nationals wishing to enter the Schengen area," said European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini.

Almost 300 million people cross the EU's external borders every year. Some 140 million of these crossings are made by non-EU citizens.

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